South Korea gears up for AI digital textbooks

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - South Korea’s Ministry of Education is set to introduce AI digital textbooks in March 2025 for grades 3 to 4 in elementary schools and first year students in middle and high schools, focusing on English, mathematics and information technology. The AI education technology sector has shown significant growth, with startups like FastCampus CIC expanding their AI-based lectures from 36 to approximately 150 courses over the past year. Riiid, another ed

November 28, 2024

PHOTOS: COEX Magok convention center opens

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) -COEX Magok Convention Center, a new exhibition complex, opened on Thursday. The seven floored facility features a main hall capable of accommodating up to 2,200 people and multiple conference rooms designed for combined exhibitions and convention events. The center positioned near medical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology research clusters. "The new convention center's proximity to major R&D facilities and IT, bio, and environmental companies is expe

November 28, 2024

Lotte Chemical shares jump as group offers landmark tower as collateral

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - Shares in South Korean petrochemical maker Lotte Chemical rose 4.37 percent to 69,200 won (US$49.6) on Thursday, after its parent Lotte Group pledged its landmark skyscraper as collateral amid growing concerns over the company's financial stability. The move comes as Lotte Chemical, which held about 4 trillion won in liquidity as of October, failed to meet some of its bond covenant requirements last week, triggering fears of possible default. Korea&

November 28, 2024

Japanese PM mulls visit to Seoul in January

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba plans to visit Seoul in January next year for talks with President Yoon Suk Yeol, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported on Thursday. "The most likely time for the meeting is early January, before the ordinary Diet session convenes," the daily said, citing government sources. "As next year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of relations between Japan and South Korea, Ishiba aims to strengthen coop

November 28, 2024

North Korea's UN envoy evades question over troop deployment to Russia

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - North Korea remains evasive about its troop development to Russia to assist its war in Ukraine. During a Security Council meeting in New York on Wednesday, North Korean Ambassador to the United Nations Kim Song accused the international community of being deceived by the U.S. and its allies who he claimed are attempting to "cover up the root cause of the outbreak" of the war in Ukraine. "The Ukrainian crisis was started by the United Stat

November 28, 2024

AJP launches Dec. 3, aims to be Asia's premier news hub

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - AJP, a new English-language news agency focused on Asia, will officially launch in Seoul on Dec. 3. AJP seeks to serve as a powerful platform that amplifies Asia's voice on the global stage while delivering the region's authentic values to audiences worldwide. Through partnerships with key news organizations across the region, AJP will provide innovative news content spanning diverse fields, including politics, economics, society and culture.

November 28, 2024

Bank of Korea unexpectedly cuts interest rate to spur economic recovery

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - The Bank of Korea (BOK) took a step unexpectedly to stimulate economic growth by slashing its benchmark interest rate for the second time in a row on Thursday. This move, aimed at countering slowing exports and uncertainties arising from the new Trump administration, underscores the central bank's commitment to reviving economic momentum. In a surprising decision, the BOK's monetary policy committee reduced the key rate by 25 basis points to

November 28, 2024

OPINION: Trump's tariff threat could shake North American trade relations and upend agri-food trade

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to impose 25 percent tariffs on all products from Canada and Mexico, alleging both countries have failed to curb the inflow of illegal immigrants and drugs into the United States. This policy is set to take effect once Trump assumes office in January. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is meeting with the premiers on Wednesday to discuss a response. During Trump's first term in office, we witnessed numerous s

November 28, 2024

Trump expected to pursue 'direct talks' with North Korean leader

SEOUL, November 27 (AJP) - Speculation is growing that incoming U.S. President Donald Trump is likely to engage in direct talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Trump's transition team is "discussing pursuing direct talks" with Kim, "hoping a fresh diplomatic push can lower the risks of armed conflict," Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing anonymous sources. "Several in Trump's team now see a direct approach from Trump, to build on a relations

November 27, 2024

PHOTOS: New film 'Harbin' depicts independence fighters in 1909

SEOUL, November 27 (AJP) - On Tuesday, the star-studded cast of the upcoming film Harbin gathered at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall for a showcase event. Directed by Woo Min-ho, the historical action drama follows Korean independence fighters as they embark on a perilous journey to Harbin in 1909. The talented ensemble cast includes Hyun Bin, Park Jung-min, Jo Woo-jin, Jeon Yeo-been, and Lee Dong-wook. Harbin made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and has

November 27, 2024